Observation of a Time Quasicrystal and Its Transition to a Superfluid Time Crystal
Abstract
We report experimental realization of a quantum time quasicrystal and its transformation to a quantum time crystal. We study Bose-Einstein condensation of magnons, associated with coherent spin precession, created in a flexible trap in superfluid 3He-B . Under a periodic drive with an oscillating magnetic field, the coherent spin precession is stabilized at a frequency smaller than that of the drive, demonstrating spontaneous breaking of discrete time translation symmetry. The induced precession frequency is incommensurate with the drive, and hence, the obtained state is a time quasicrystal. When the drive is turned off, the self-sustained coherent precession lives a macroscopically long time, now representing a time crystal with broken symmetry with respect to continuous time translations. Additionally, the magnon condensate manifests spin superfluidity, justifying calling the obtained state a time supersolid or a time supercrystal.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review Letters
- Pub Date:
- May 2018
- DOI:
- 10.1103/PhysRevLett.120.215301
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1712.06877
- Bibcode:
- 2018PhRvL.120u5301A
- Keywords:
-
- Condensed Matter - Other Condensed Matter
- E-Print:
- Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 215301 (2018)